Haldi vs Kesar: What should be used to get a naturally glowing skin?

When it comes to skincare, especially achieving naturally glowing skin, the use of natural ingredients has always been popular. Two of the most revered and widely used ingredients in traditional skincare are Haldi (turmeric) and Kesar (saffron). Both of these ingredients have a rich history of use in beauty treatments across various cultures, especially in India, where they have been integral to traditional rituals, skincare, and even wellness practices. But when it comes to achieving glowing skin, many wonder: which one should you use? Haldi or Kesar?
Let’s deep dive into the benefits of both, their properties, and how they contribute to skin radiance, so you can make an informed choice.
Haldi, or turmeric, is a bright yellow spice that is obtained from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its numerous therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. The key component in turmeric that gives it its bright yellow color and many of its skincare benefits is curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound.

Benefits of Haldi for glowing skin
Anti-inflammatory properties: Haldi is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and irritation on the skin. When used topically, turmeric can soothe inflamed skin, reducing issues like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. This results in a clearer, more even skin tone over time.
Brightening the skin: One of the most significant advantages of turmeric for skin health is its ability to brighten and lighten the complexion. It works by reducing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes. Regular use of turmeric in skincare routines helps fade scars and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
Antioxidant-rich: The antioxidants in turmeric help fight off free radicals, which are molecules that cause premature aging. By neutralizing these free radicals, turmeric helps reduce the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, giving your skin a youthful, vibrant appearance.
Antibacterial and antifungal: Turmeric is also antibacterial and antifungal, which makes it highly effective in preventing and treating acne. It cleanses the skin of excess oil, bacteria, and other impurities, helping to reduce acne breakouts and promoting smoother, healthier skin.
Improved skin texture: The presence of curcumin aids in skin regeneration, making it a wonderful choice for improving skin texture. It evens out the skin tone and enhances its smoothness by promoting healthy cell turnover.
You can apply turmeric in various ways:
Turmeric face pack: Mix turmeric with yogurt or honey to create a hydrating face mask that brightens the skin.
Turmeric oil or serum: Using turmeric-infused oils or serums can provide a more concentrated dose of its beneficial properties.
Turmeric with milk or gram flour: Combining turmeric with ingredients like milk or gram flour can help exfoliate the skin, giving it a natural glow.
Kesar, or saffron, is another luxurious ingredient that has been cherished for its beauty and skincare benefits for centuries. Derived from the flowers of the Crocus sativus plant, saffron is often referred to as the “king of spices” due to its rarity, expense, and health benefits. Saffron contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin, which contribute to its unique properties.

Benefits of Kesar for glowing skin
Skin Brightening and Radiance: Saffron is renowned for its skin-brightening properties. The antioxidants and vitamins found in saffron help to lighten skin tone and provide a natural glow. Regular use of saffron can help fade sun tan and pigmentation, leading to a radiant and even complexion.
Anti-ageing benefits: The powerful antioxidants in saffron work to fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing premature ageing. Saffron helps in reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, contributing to smoother, more youthful skin.
Hydrating and moisturizing: Saffron is known for its ability to retain moisture and hydrate the skin. It can be particularly beneficial for those with dry or dull skin, as it nourishes the skin from within, ensuring that it stays soft, smooth, and glowing.
Improves skin tone: Saffron’s ability to promote the production of new skin cells and even out skin tone is one of the reasons why it is used in many skin-brightening treatments. By rejuvenating the skin at a cellular level, saffron helps to reveal a naturally glowing complexion.
Anti-inflammatory and healing: Just like turmeric, saffron has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming sensitive or irritated skin. It can also speed up the healing process for minor cuts, scars, and acne marks, leaving the skin looking clear and even.
Saffron can be used in several ways to enjoy its skin benefits:
Saffron milk: Soak a few strands of saffron in milk overnight and apply the mixture to the face the next morning. It can brighten the skin and provide deep nourishment.
Saffron oil: You can apply saffron-infused oil directly to your face for moisturization and glowing skin.
Saffron face packs: Combine saffron with other ingredients like honey, yogurt, or lemon to create a face mask that brightens the skin and provides a natural glow.
Both turmeric and saffron are highly beneficial for glowing skin, but they work in different ways.
Haldi is an excellent choice if you’re dealing with acne, scars, and uneven skin tone. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to option for clear skin. If your primary goal is to reduce pigmentation, redness, or inflammation, turmeric is a powerful option. However, it can leave a yellow stain on the skin, so it’s often recommended to use it in combination with other ingredients like yogurt, honey, or milk to balance the effect.
Kesar, on the other hand, is more focused on providing radiance, hydration, and an overall youthful appearance. It’s especially beneficial for those with dry skin or looking for a luxurious treatment for a glowing complexion. If you’re after deep moisturization, anti-ageing effects, and a brighter, more even skin tone, saffron could be the better choice.

In many traditional skincare regimens, a combination of both haldi and kesar is used to reap the benefits of both. For example, a face mask made from saffron and turmeric can help you achieve glowing skin while reducing acne and pigmentation.
Both Haldi and Kesar have unique benefits for achieving naturally glowing skin. If you are seeking a solution for acne, blemishes, and inflammation, Haldi might be more effective. However, for those looking to hydrate the skin, improve skin texture, and promote an even skin tone, Kesar is an excellent option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your skin type and specific concerns, and in many cases, using both together can offer a holistic approach to achieving radiant and glowing skin.